Huge amounts of perishable goods including vegetables are wasted every year in the State due to inadequate cold storages. So, the State Government has now realised to encourage development of the cold chain sector.
Some companies of the United States of America can play a key role for development of the cold chain sector. This was revealed by Consul General of US in Hyderabad, Michael Mullins, at an interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), State Office here.
Principal Commercial Officer, US Commercial Services, Kolkata, Richard Craig, Regional Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Sanjeev Mohanty, Executive Member, ICC Odisha Expert Committee, Manoj Panda, representatives of leading corporate houses and senior Government officials attended the event.
Around 30 delegates from the Indian industries held discussions with Mullins on the scope of investment in the State. They stated that the US can play a key role in the food processing industry and there is scope for collaboration in cold storage, packaging and logistics.
Joint DGFT, Cuttack, DK Tomar spoke on forward linkages required for the market and export promotion of products like mango pulps, green meat made of raw jack fruits, chilly and medicinal plants of the region.
With the development of an industrial park at Angul, the local entrepreneurs showed interest in a joint venture with interested investors from the US. The participants felt that US-based companies can also contribute in promoting the State’s tourism sector in setting up hotels, restaurants, recreation facilities, etc.
Executive Member, ICC Odisha Expert Committee, JB Pany said there is a huge scope for development of the ESDM sector in the State. “The new ICT Policy of State has given more emphasis on the ESDM sector,” he said.
In the field of education, the participants felt that mutual ties can benefit universities and research institutions of both countries. Vice-Chancellor, KIIT University, PP Mathur said, “Our countries work closely together to build mutually-beneficial ties between our universities and research institutions.”